Bachelor Nation’s Alayah Benavidez Gets Engaged During Romantic Chicago Vacation: 'Favorite Trip I’ve Ever Taken'

Alayah Benavidez is engaged!

The San Antonio native and Bachelor alum, 30, said “yes” to boyfriend Gabe Flores during a trip to Chicago, and the couple announced the news in a joint Instagram post on Monday, Sept. 8. 

In the post, Benavidez showed off her ring as she and Flores, in matching robes, enjoyed a dinner — and soaked up the Windy City views at sunset — while staying at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago. In the caption, the reality TV star confirmed her engagement, and declared the trip her “favorite” to date.

“First time in Chicago,” the former Miss Texas USA wrote in the caption. “And it’s already my favorite trip I’ve ever taken.” She then signed off the post: “Xoxo, future mrs A.F. #engaged.”

Benavidez, who now works as a barre instructor, went on to reveal more details about the trip, and the pair's happy news.

The same day, she shared a post captioned, “photo dump from the best weekend ever 🏙️🥂🤍,” which kicked off with the newly engaged couple sharing a kiss in front of Cloud Gate in Chicago's Millennium Park (nicknamed The Bean).

In the trip “photo dump,” Benavidez also showed a closer look at her marquise diamond engagement ring, holding it up to the camera in some of the photos, and zooming in for a close-up in others.

She rounded out the carousel with a photo of herself and Flores smiling as she once again showed off the sparkler.

Also on Instagram, the Bachelor Nation alum shared a compilation video of the couple making FaceTime calls to loved ones to share their exciting news. Set to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole, each clip began with Benavidez holding her ring up to the camera, and ended with shocked and excited reactions from each person they called.

“Getting to tell your family you’re engaged 💍,” she wrote in the caption, adding that “probably the best part of the night was getting to tell our families we’re officially engaged 🤍.”

“My phone ran out of storage while trying to capture the moment with everyone we called,” she added, “but just know the reactions were everything and more 🥹.”

In the couple’s initial announcement post, Benavidez received lots of love from fellow Bachelor Nation stars.

Mykenna Dorn wrote, “Omg congrats girl!!!! 💗💗💗,” while Jessenia Cruz, who also got engaged this year, commented, “Congratulations beauty!!! 💙✨.”

“Congratulations Alayah!!” said Alana Milne. “So happy for you ❤️❤️❤️.”

Why the internet is convinced Taylor Frankie Paul is the next Bachelorette

Bachelor Nation has a longstanding tradition of choosing its own when it comes to casting The Bachelorette. However, the internet is abuzz with speculation that the franchise may be breaking from tradition with a controversial cast member from another reality show.

In a cryptic Instagram post, Alex Cooper, host of the hit podcast “Call Her Daddy”, revealed she will be announcing the new Bachelorette tomorrow. She also dropped a few clues about who it is.

• The new Bachelorette is on another show

• The new Bachelorette hasn’t been part of The Bachelor

• She’ll be great for ratings

 

 

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Although Taylor Frankie Paul from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives fits the bill, the evidence doesn’t end there. Several members of the “Mormon Wives” interacted with the post, fueling speculation that it could be Paul.

The reality star would be a controversial pick

If chosen, the reality star would be sure to raise eyebrows. In addition to famously leaking details of what became the infamous Mormon swinging scandal on Instagram, her time on her own show has been riddled with controversial moments, including an arrest for domestic violence.

Still, the single mom is a fan favorite for her down-to-earth personality and her willingness to speak her mind. If Taylor Fankie Paul is the new Bachelorette, we can all look forward to an entertaining season.